Pau Gasol vs. Cody Zeller: Gasol has the potential to do serious damage to a Hornets squad depleted at power forward.

Observations

• Jimmy Butler is making a cool case for most improved player. People saw him as a defensive specialist, but now he’s getting it done at both ends.

• The Bobcats pursued Mike Dunleavy in free agency a few years ago. It would have been a good pick up.

Tap-ins

• Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (stress reaction in right foot) is out. Gary Neal and Marvin Williams (shoulder injuries) are listed as questionable, although neither was able to scrimmage during practice Tuesday.

• Bulls rookie Doug McDermott missed Tuesday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks with a knee injury.

Did you know?

The Bulls and the Golden State Warriors have the most road victories in the NBA this season, with nine each.